Horticultural Society.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 154, 4 July 1904, Page 2

Horticultural Society.

TWENTY-KIRST ANNUAL MEETING. The twenty-first annual meeting of the Horticultural Society wus held on Friday evening in the Town Hall. rh;re was n good attendance of members, Mr J, C. George, president, occupying tho, chair. —Annual Report.— The president's report, which was consideiwl very satisfactory, and was adopted, read as follows One of the functions of the president of this society is to lay bofore its members a report of tho work of tho preceding year. On this occasion I think we may claim that the past twelve months hus been 'a record one, and as this year we attain our majority, it is gratifying, to find that it has been more successful than any of its predecessors. Hy tho treasurer's balanco-sheet produced this evening you will discover that our gross income has been £142 4b 6d, a sum never More reached by the society, a steady increase having been made in receipts from donations, advertising, members' subscriptions, and door takat our shows. Two shows have been held during the year, but as that held in autumn did not pay its way it may be considered inexpedient to repeat it, though personally I hope the autumn show will not be aiblandoned, as the pleasure and profit derived by our members ojid the public from seeing some of tho exhibits at tho last on« should more than compensate for the small loss of funds causod by holding It. I do not propose to refer at length to the various entries, but consider the exhibits of fruit from Pahiatua, dahlias from Awahuri, and chrysanthemums from Ciuwbirklge would attract attention anywhere. The e-xhitots at each show from our local nurseries also deserve recognition. The m u «t serious falling oil at each show !» in tho children's classes, which is cause for regret, as one of the ob'jects is to cultivate in tho minds of the young a lovu of flowere, skill in producing them, and tasto In afterwards using tlieni for decorative purposes. An effort to enlist the sympathy of the school teachers in this town and suburbs during the year by distributing gratis, through the teachers, packets of seeds to those scholars who would caro for and cultivate them met with quite insufficient response to warrant the society in further efforts In that direction. I have Stated that wo claim to have had- a record year, a rosult that Is duo to the capable and energetic secretary, ably assisted by the lion, secretary, Mr Hooker. The labours of the ladies' committee are beyond praise, and some members of the men's committee are all one could desire, but. there are some few of the latter who did not once realise the responsibility of the office. Reverting for a moment to tho sul>ject of finance, you will observe that your committee opened with ii credit balanco of over £l7, and closed with one of only £5 odd, an apparent falling oIT ot £l2, but there ure some outstanding accounts which will swell tlio crodit balance, and during the year we have spent' over £lO in property for future use, a result) that I think must bo considered satisfactory. The thanks of the members are especiully duo to the lion, secretary, the treasurer, the committee, more especially the ladies' branch nf it, the judges, each of those who donated special prizes, and to all who in any way contributed to the success we are able to '•eport. JAMES 0. GEORGE, President. —Ofllce-l!earws.—

The election of officers resulted follows President,Mr J, 0. Georgo (re-elecUHl) ; vico-prcsidents, Mrs Ti). Dockrill, Messrs R. Cock, IV, Ambury, 11. It, Oattley, E. Dockrill, and S. Percy Smith ; mc rotary, Air A. Hooker ; treasurer, Mr 11. F. Russell ; auditor, Mr W. C. West on ; ladies' committee, Mesdames W. U. Skinner, 11. F. Hussell, Whitton, McKellar, Paton, Woolley, Misses Humphries, Heiiipton, 11. Smith, and Testar ; committee, Messrs F. Pepperell, J. I'aton, K. N. L. Okey, G. W. ! Hrown, 11. Mcti-ohoy, F, ftoodacre, H. I Dawson, T„ Garner, and W. J, i VVorlhington. It was resolved to hold the spring show on (ir about November 24th, the committee being l recommended to also hold mi autumn show. Mrp Dockrill, Miss IV Smith, and Mr .1. C. George were appointed a committee to provide a suitable presentation in recognition of the work done by the hen. secretary (Mr A, Hooker). Votes ol thanks were passed to donors of specif prizes, and to tho press for assistance rendered during the year,